76ers: Ben Simmons Celebrates Independence Differently

Ben Simmons can see greatness in his future — and the #1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft knows you can’t just stroll there. You have to use overdrive. That’s why the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers was in the gym on Friday night, working not on his jumper but on his body — the vehicle he’ll be driving into glorious future. And the ride he plans to use to restore the luster to the 76ers, a historically great team that has lost its way.

This wasn’t just any Friday night either, but the Friday night of July 4 weekend where — especially for someone newly associated with Philadelphia, birthplace of American independence — a young man recently signed to a multi-million dollar deal might be expected to be out and about, celebrating his own independence. Simmons has different ideas about how independence is achieved, obviously. He should fit in well in a hardworking city that looks to the great Ben Franklin for much of its legacy. “Lost time,” warned Franklin, “is never found again.” Simmons understands. Franklin also said that “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Seems that Ben Simmons shares more than a first name with Ben Franklin.